The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)

Griffin felt a throbbing pain in his temples, adamantly sticking to his choice, "The black one."

Leopold acknowledged with a grunt, obediently putting the others away.

Griffin was beyond words.

If simplicity saved lives, then let it be.

During their engagement party, she had already seen through Leopold's standing within the Emerald Mountain community.

Plus, being named godfather to Vivienne's kids was already flashy enough.

If Leopold dared to dress even more flamboyantly at tomorrow's feast... she feared he might not make it through the night without being "taken out."

By then, she wouldn't even know where to start looking for him.

The next day, the hotel was buzzing with people.

The hall was packed with well-wishers.

Vivienne sat in the lounge, surrounded by Finnian, Jasper, and Yorick, who had made special trips to be there.

Any one of them was a notable figure in Rivenwood.

Yet there they were, locked in a standoff, none yielding to the others.

Only Vivienne remained calm.

Next to her were some snacks and pastries, thoughtfully prepared by Mr. Wolf.

This banquet was significant for both families.

As her father put it, it was also about making up for past regrets during her own wedding.

With so many invites, they had no idea how many would actually show up.

They could only courteously greet guests at the door.

Mr. Wolf, concerned she might get tired, had her rest with the kids separately.

But...

This was hardly any quieter than outside.

"Hey! What's your problem, old man?"

Finnian quickly scooped up Juliette from her crib, glaring at Jasper who tried to contest, "Come on, I'm meeting these kids for the first time too. And you, acting all high and mighty as the great-grandfather, can't you show some decency?" He then cooed at the child, "Sweetie, say 'godfather' for me."Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

Vivienne, "..."

She hoped her mentor wouldn't start getting ideas about her children, hadn't she suffered enough through the years?

Jasper, feeling slighted but not knowing where to direct his frustration, spoke with underlying bitterness, "I'm the great-grandfather meeting for the first time too. Why should I step back?"

Finnian, adept at shifting the battlefield, teased Jasper, "Why so stubborn? My disciple didn't just have one child. Even if I don't step back, shouldn't the child's great-grandfather make way for this guest?"

Yorick watched the duo's banter, holding Isaiah who was perking up at the conversation, and proudly stated, "Isaiah's been in my arms since birth. You might want to hold him, but it's all about the child's comfort." "If he starts crying the moment you take him... that would be awkward."

Jasper, "..."

Why was this so difficult?

Watching the children laugh as the others played with them, Jasper felt like he was being scratched by a cat. He couldn't believe it.

"Ahem! Do you guys even understand etiquette? Technically, I'm the guest today. Instead of welcoming me, shouldn't you at least bring the children closer for this great-grandfather to see?"

With the conversation turning this way, he doubted anyone could feign ignorance.

Yorick, with a steady gaze, said calmly, "Who's stopping you? The child just prefers me, what can I do?"

Jasper nearly choked on his frustration.

Finnian had already moved aside with Juliette.

He was growing more fond of her by the minute, seeing so much of Vivienne in her.

She might turn out to be quite the talent.

He had to secure this connection early.

The tension between Jasper and Yorick was palpable.

Just as Vivienne was about to intervene, the lounge door swung open, and Richard strolled in with a beaming smile, "Look who's at here! Came to see my darling

о

great-grandson."

Vivienne, "..."

She was leaving, that should suffice.

Outside, the crowd was bustling, greeting familiar faces everywhere.

As she made her way out, she noticed her parents but not Percival.

Just about to inquire, her attention was caught by Mr. Wolf conversing quietly with a stranger in the corner.

The man appeared middle-aged and unfamiliar, someone she hadn't seen before.

Percival, sensing her gaze, turned, shared a smile, and after a brief nod to the stranger, headed her way.

Vivienne, glancing at the stranger, casually asked, "Mr. Wolf, who were you talking to?"

Percival, taking her hand, replied nonchalantly, "Just a distant relative from the family, had to leave early. Mom and Dad asked me to see him off." Vivienne didn't dwell on it, given the sheer number of attendees.

It was nearly impossible to keep track, let alone the extended family branches of the major clans.

Just as they were about to head back, Anna approached, pausing to let Mr. Wolf attend to other matters.

Anna handed her a red velvet box containing two intricately braided red cords, each tied with a golden bell.

"Vivienne, wishing the kids health and happiness, success in all they do."

Vivienne recognized Anna's handiwork and graciously accepted, "Thanks, let's head in together."

She had deliberately kept Anna focused on her lab work, partly to avoid distraction and partly for her to find peace.

It seemed Anna was finally moving past her struggles.

No sooner had they taken a few steps than Leopold and Griffin, dressed in striking formal attire, called out, "Vivienne, Anna!" The couple, hand in hand in their matching outfits, radiated joy.

To anyone, they were the picture of love, except for Leopold's smug grin.

Anna couldn't help but comment, "Leopold, no offense, but you're not the star today. Aren't you a bit too pleased with yourself?" Leopold's mysterious smile hinted at more, "You'll see soon enough."

He couldn't wait for Vivienne to announce him as the godfather, marking the highlight of his life.

"Leopold!"

Lost in thought, he suddenly heard a sinister voice behind him.

Leopold shuddered at the sound.

Before he could react, his shoulder was abruptly weighed down, and two distinct hands firmly grabbed him.

Old Fred Dawson and Danny, often called "Six," appeared on either side of Leopold, both wearing mischievous grins.

First, they nodded courteously to Vivienne, then tipped their hats slightly towards Griffin. "Little sister, we need to borrow Leopold for a bit. We'll have him back before the party starts, promise."

Then, turning to Leopold with a raised eyebrow, they said, "So,

what'll it be, Leopold? Are you net

coming with us willingly, or do we need to convince you?"

Leopold had no choice but to follow, but his eyes pleaded with Griffin for rescue, silently screaming, "Honey, save me!"